George Nakashima

Acquired directly from the artist by Seymour and Star Sacks
Thence by descent to the present owners

Overall excellent original condition. The extraordinary present condition of the coffee table shows the gentle use and sensitively maintenance of the original owners. The wood selected for the top of the table is a stunning burled wood, with intricate and highly detailed figuring. It is a magnificent wood with a wonderfully organic shape to three sides. The top with a few small and very surface scratches from gentle use. The base, executed in nicely complementary American black walnut with a few surface scratches consistent with use. This table is a magnificent design by Nakashima, showing the height of this coffee table form.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Hand and The Spirit Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona was one of the earliest galleries outside of the east coast to feature the unique works of George Nakashima.  “Hours spent by the true craftsman in bringing out the grain, which has long been imprisoned in the trunk of the tree, is an act of creation itself,” wrote George Nakashima in an article in California Arts an Architecture in 1941.  It was this concept of creative expression by preserving natural qualities of the wood that served as inspiration for many of the designers shown by founders Star Sacks and Joanne Rapp in their pioneering The Hand and The Spirit Gallery. These two early visionaries introduced the Southwest to the beauty and potential of American studio design.  The gallery, and its owners, gained acclaim for their expert eye in pairing works by East and West Coast woodworkers, Sam Maloof and Edward Moulthrop to name a few, with bold contrasts in other mediums, such as ceramics by Claude Conover and works by local artists. The Hand and The Spirit gallery was voted by the New York Times as one of the leading American Craft galleries in 1977.

The present lot was acquired by Star Sacks and her husband, Seymour Sacks for their private collection.  This extraordinary table captures Nakashima’s creative principles outlined in 1941, and is also a testament to the collecting expertise of the Sacks family.